What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
Weekend Recap: December 14-15, 2024
President Biden reflected on the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, where 20 children and six educators lost their lives. He honored the victims and acknowledged the pain of their families and the community, emphasizing how many have turned their grief into advocacy for gun safety reforms.
Biden highlighted the progress made since the tragedy, including the strengthening of the gun violence prevention movement, fueled by survivors and supporters demanding action. He credited grassroots efforts, including those of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, and his administration's measures, such as the first White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, significant gun safety legislation, and executive actions to reduce gun violence.
He acknowledged progress in reducing homicides, crime, and mass shootings. Still, he stressed the urgent need for more action, urging Congress to pass universal background checks, red flag laws, safe storage requirements, and an assault weapons ban. Biden expressed hope for continued progress, driven by survivors and advocates committed to ending gun violence.
Since the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized strengthening partnerships with African nations, surpassing its $55 billion investment pledge by committing over $65 billion to initiatives spanning development, infrastructure, trade, climate action, governance, health, and gender equity. High-level engagements have played a central role, with numerous senior U.S. officials visiting Africa, including Vice President Harris and President Biden, who made historic trips to sub-Saharan Africa. These efforts led to the African Union gaining permanent G20 membership and supporting UN Security Council reform to include African states.
In trade and investment, the administration facilitated $62.6 billion in two-way trade and investment deals, supported by agencies like the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Prosper Africa. These efforts focused on renewable energy, digital connectivity, and small business financing, resulting in transformative projects such as Gabon’s Blue Bonds marine conservation initiative and Mozambique’s first utility-scale wind power project. Infrastructure and climate action also received a boost, with significant investments in green energy, climate resilience, and sustainable food systems, helping address Africa’s vulnerability to climate change.
Health initiatives have been a cornerstone of U.S.-Africa collaboration, with over $15 billion invested in combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis through programs like PEPFAR and the President’s Malaria Initiative. Efforts to expand vaccine manufacturing in South Africa and respond to disease outbreaks like Ebola and Marburg have enhanced health security. Digital transformation is another focus, with initiatives like the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) aiming to double internet access and support digital economies through partnerships that promote literacy, cybersecurity, and AI development.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment have been elevated through programs like the Women in Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) and the Imarisha Women’s Initiative, which promote women’s participation in the workforce and sustainable sectors—investments exceeding $3 billion aim to close gender gaps and foster inclusive economic growth. Nearly $20 billion in humanitarian aid and investments in food security have bolstered resilient food systems, including projects like the Feed the Future Accelerator and regional breadbasket initiatives.
Efforts to promote peace, security, and governance include $181 million committed to stability programs in conflict-prone areas and support for African-led solutions to peace and democratic governance. The administration’s partnerships reflect a broad strategy of leveraging African leadership, addressing global challenges collaboratively, and fostering inclusive, sustainable growth across sectors, reinforcing the interconnected futures of Africa and the United States.
President Biden spoke with Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of the Republic of Korea (ROK), focusing on the resilience of South Korea's democracy and rule of law. He expressed his deep appreciation for these democratic values and assured Acting President Han of the United States of his "ironclad commitment" to the South Korean people.
The discussion highlighted the substantial progress made in recent years to strengthen the U.S.-ROK Alliance, which both leaders view as essential to regional stability. President Biden expressed confidence that the alliance will continue to serve as a critical foundation for peace, security, and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region under Acting President Han’s leadership. This underscores the continued collaboration and shared vision between the two nations amid evolving global challenges.
A press call was held to address ongoing interagency responses to reported drone sightings in New Jersey and other areas, with updates provided by representatives from the FBI, DHS, FAA, and DOD. The FBI reported that initial sightings of drones near critical infrastructure began on November 18, 2024, prompting an investigation on November 20. While 5,000 tips were received through a national tip line, fewer than 100 required further investigation, and many sightings were later determined to be misidentified manned aircraft. No evidence of large-scale drone activity, coordinated threats, or malicious intent has been found.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized its commitment to supporting state and federal partners, deploying advanced radar and camera technology to investigate the sightings. While no unusual drone activity was detected, DHS highlighted the need for expanded counter-UAS legislation to enable state and local authorities to respond more effectively to such incidents. Critical infrastructure, including power plants, continues to be monitored, though no threats have been identified.
The FAA implemented temporary flight restrictions over sensitive areas, such as Picatinny Arsenal and Trump National Golf Club, while continuing to educate drone operators on safe airspace practices. Officials noted that most drone operations in the U.S. are legal if they comply with altitude and visibility restrictions, making enforcement challenging. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense (DOD) confirmed visual sightings of drones near military installations like Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle. However, there is no evidence suggesting malicious intent or foreign involvement. DOD officials expressed frustration with their limited authority to act on drone incursions in domestic airspace.
Throughout the call, officials acknowledged heightened public concern but stressed that most sightings do not indicate significant threats. Many reports align with busy airport flight paths and were often misidentified as unmanned aircraft. Agencies reiterated their commitment to ongoing investigations and public safety while advocating for expanded legislation to address gaps in current counter-drone capabilities. The investigation remains active, with interagency collaboration continuing to provide updates and address public concerns.
President Biden met virtually with G7 leaders, emphasizing the transformation of the G7 into a unified force for decisive action over the past four years. He highlighted its achievements, including addressing the COVID-19 crisis, responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, countering China’s non-market practices, accelerating the clean energy transition, and delivering tangible results for developing countries through infrastructure partnerships. The leaders reaffirmed their strong unity and commitment to tackling global challenges together.
Most of the discussion focused on Ukraine, with President Biden underscoring the United States' $20 billion contribution to a World Bank fund as part of the G7's historic $50 billion commitment. He encouraged legal efforts to unlock and seize immobilized Russian assets to support Ukraine's rebuilding and defense. The leaders also addressed the Middle East, discussing the importance of a Syrian-led political transition, support for Lebanon’s ceasefire, and efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza along with the release of hostages. Additionally, they explored solutions to global challenges, including combating non-market practices, addressing climate change, advancing artificial intelligence, and supporting developing nations.
President Biden thanked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for leading the G7 over the past year and welcomed Canada’s upcoming presidency under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He encouraged the G7 to continue its vital work in addressing global issues and delivering meaningful results.
The White House highlighted the significant impact of the Biden-Harris "Investing in America" agenda on creating good-paying union jobs and strengthening the American workforce. Through major legislative efforts like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, the administration has embedded high-road labor standards to ensure quality employment opportunities. A Good Jobs Task Force reviewed over 80 programs, showing substantial progress in expanding access to good jobs.
Union jobs are a central focus. $84 billion in infrastructure projects are tied to union contracts, creating positions that offer fair wages, benefits, and career pathways. Over 600 construction projects have collective bargaining agreements, while manufacturing and clean energy projects prioritize quality jobs through union partnerships and community benefits agreements.
In addition to job creation, the administration has invested $47 billion in supportive services such as childcare and transportation, making it easier for underserved populations to access and retain employment. Another $46 billion has been allocated to registered apprenticeship programs, offering earn-while-you-learn opportunities to over one million workers since 2021, including historically underserved groups. These investments transform wages, job accessibility, and workforce diversity, building strong pathways to the middle class.